(Lion’s ear; Wild dagga)
The botanical species name means ‘lion’s ear’ but the impressive orange flower spikes look more like a lion’s tail than an ear! It is a tall native of southern Africa where it is used for epilepsy, headache, hypertension, and for stomach and bronchial problems. It is used like marijuana by Hottentot tribesmen as the resinous tops and leaves have an euphoriant effect. ‘Dagga’ is a local name for marijuana in southern Africa, hence the name ‘wild dagga’ . Ht. 90-180cm/3-6ft.